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Why Do Students Misbehave When There Is A Sub?

Ah, the substitute teacher. We've all been there. New face on the doorstep and suddenly air becomes dense. Students who are normally good become somewhat naughty, shy ones may be braver.

But why is that? How a substitute should react when students behave improperly? Let’s dive right into it.

Who Is a Substitute Teacher?

A sub, which is often used interchangeably with the term ‘substitute teacher’, refers to a special teacher who replaces a regular one for the days he or she fails to attend school. There are also some reasons that could cause absence to school like sickness, personal duties, professional training, or emergencies.

Depending on the duration of the regular teacher’s absence, they might call in substitute teachers who could work even for one day, one week, and so forth.

These substitute teachers are drawn from various professional backgrounds. They include people who are certified teachers working as subs or simply college graduates without teaching qualifications. irrespective of whether they come from within or without, they ensure continuity in the educational process when the regular teacher is unavailable.

When Are Substitute Teachers Used?

If there is a temporary vacancy in the classroom because of the absence of the regular teacher, substitute teachers are employed. Here are some common scenarios when a substitute might be called in:

1. Illness: One of the most common reasons why substitution is called for is this. In case of illness, or where the teacher have a medical appointment, another teacher will take charge of the class.

2. Professional Development: Normal teachers regularly participate in workshops, conferences, or trainings in order to improve their skills and be conversant with the new educational trends, therefore. In such instances, they are replaced by the substitute teacher.

3. Personal Reasons: For example, teacher might take days off at school for the life events such as weddings, funerals, or any other personal commitments. Thus, there is a replacement to perform the function whenever there is a need for it.

4. Long-Term Absences: Teachers could also have prolonged leaves such as the maternity leave, sabbaticals, or long illnesses which necessitates that the class should still have a continuous lesson plan during the periods. In such cases, several weeks or months long substitute teachers could ensure continuity in education for learners.

The reasons why learners misbehave when there is a sub

Students are a very funny people. For unknown reasons, there curiosity can compel them to do weird stuff.

Here are some of the reasons they might misbehave when they have a sub teacher.

• Testing Boundaries

Human beings, not just students, are hardwired to test boundaries. It's an evolutionary trait. In the context of a classroom, with the regular teacher absent, students might feel the urge to test the substitute's authority. They're curious to see what they can get away with and where the limits lie with this unfamiliar instructor.

• Anonymity in Numbers

Ever noticed that people are more likely to break rules or norms when they feel anonymous within a group? It’s the same with students. With their regular teacher away, they feel a temporary sense of freedom and less individual accountability. This leads to a herd mentality where they feel they can misbehave without the same consequences.

• Seeking Attention

Some students misbehave as a way to seek attention, especially if they feel overlooked in a regular class setting. With a substitute teacher, this can be their chance to stand out, even if it's for the wrong reasons.

• Inconsistency In Classroom Management

Substitute teachers, especially those unfamiliar with the regular class routine and tools for classroom management, might not enforce the same rules or might apply them inconsistently. Students pick up on these discrepancies quickly and may misbehave because they're uncertain about what's expected of them.

• Emotional Reactions

Change can be difficult for some students, especially those who thrive on routine. The sudden appearance of a substitute teacher can be unsettling, leading them to act out as a way to cope with their feelings.

Image alt text: a substitute teacher in school. what to do when students misbehave for a substitute.

Author credit: By L. Lartigue - USAID website http://africaphotos.usaid.gov/search_details.cfm?Keyword_ID=239&Country_ID=28&Sector_ID=10&Photo_ID=4557&StartRow=31, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4281353

What to Do When Students Misbehave for A Substitute? 

1. Set Clear Expectations: Before leaving the classroom to a substitute, regular teachers should communicate their expectations to the students. This can be done verbally or with a written set of guidelines that are also shared with the substitute.

2. Equip The Substitute: Ensure the substitute has all necessary materials, lesson plans, and a clear outline of classroom rules. It's also beneficial if they have a list of reliable students they can turn to for assistance or clarification.

3. Build A Relationship: Even if it's just for a day, it's crucial for substitutes to build a rapport with students. By taking a few moments to introduce themselves and share a bit about who they are, they can break down some barriers that might lead to misbehavior.

4. Consistent Consequences: Make sure the substitute is aware of the typical consequences for misbehavior. And, equally importantly, students need to understand that misbehaving for a substitute will have the same ramifications as misbehaving for their regular teacher.

5. Debrief: Once the regular teacher returns, take a moment to discuss how the day went with the students. If issues arise about what to do when students misbehave for a substitute, address them and create strategies for the future.

6. Foster Respect: Cultivate a culture of respect in the classroom, where students are taught the importance of showing the same level of respect to every adult, whether it’s their regular teacher or a substitute.

Conclusion

The classroom dynamics undoubtedly shift when a substitute teacher steps in. While it's natural for students to test boundaries, it's essential to understand the underlying reasons for their behavior. By recognizing why students might be prone to misbehave and by being proactive about what to do when students misbehave for a substitute, both regular teachers and substitutes can ensure a constructive and harmonious learning environment. The key lies in preparation, communication, and consistent enforcement of classroom norms.